'US miscalculated': Oman FM criticises war as Saudi threatens response to Iran strikes on Riyadh

A drone attack struck the SAMREF refinery run by Saudi Aramco in Yanbu on the Red Sea coast, according to an industry source. The impact was limited, but the incident is part of a broader pattern of strikes targeting Gulf energy assets after recent US–Israel operations against Iranian facilities.

In Kuwait, a refinery operated by Kuwait National Petroleum Company caught fire following a drone hit on the Mina Abdullah complex, authorities said. Earlier, another drone strike triggered a smaller blaze at the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery. Officials are still assessing the extent of the damage as attacks on regional energy infrastructure intensify.

The escalation coincided with a high-level diplomatic meeting in Riyadh, where foreign ministers from countries including Turkey, the UAE, Jordan, Qatar and Syria gathered to discuss the widening Middle East conflict. During the talks, the Saudi capital was targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles—an unprecedented development that analysts say could mark a dangerous new phase in the war.

Experts warn that if Saudi Arabia is drawn directly into the conflict, it may invoke its defence understanding with Pakistan, potentially widening the war. Some reports also suggest Riyadh has urged Washington to maintain pressure on Tehran. Analysts note that such a scenario could extend strategic protection to the kingdom, raising the stakes further.

Commenting on the strikes, analyst Mario Nawfal described the attack on Riyadh as carefully calibrated in scale, timing and targets, calling it a possible turning point in the conflict.

Following the incident, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan warned that the kingdom's patience "is not unlimited" and said it reserves the right to respond militarily if attacks persist. He also indicated that trust with Tehran has been severely damaged, cautioning that continued aggression could close the door on diplomatic recovery.

For weeks, the conflict had largely revolved around US–Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliation across the region. While Iran had previously targeted Gulf states such as the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, Saudi Arabia had mostly avoided direct hits. That changed with the latest missile strikes on Riyadh, including impacts near key fuel infrastructure serving the city.

Saudi air defences intercepted most of the incoming missiles, though debris reportedly landed near a refinery south of the capital. Officials said multiple ballistic missiles were successfully shot down. The targeted facility is believed to process around 130,000 barrels per day and supplies the domestic market.

Residents in Riyadh reported hearing explosions for the first time since the conflict began, while emergency alerts were sent across the city. The timing of the strike—during a major diplomatic gathering—added to its symbolic weight, with interceptors reportedly visible near the meeting venue.

Iran had earlier warned that energy installations across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar could become "legitimate targets." Saudi officials say the precision of recent strikes suggests long-term planning rather than a reactive response.

Since late February, Iran has launched repeated attacks on Saudi-linked infrastructure, including attempted strikes on air bases, refineries and other strategic assets. While most were intercepted, some caused temporary disruptions and civilian casualties.

The latest wave of missile strikes also hit energy facilities in Qatar and the UAE, following Iranian accusations that Israel targeted its South Pars gas field—one of its most critical energy assets.

Until now, Saudi Arabia has largely exercised restraint, especially after restoring diplomatic ties with Iran in 2023 and advocating de-escalation. However, recent statements from Riyadh signal a shift in tone. Officials emphasise that the kingdom has significant military capabilities and may act if provoked further.

Meanwhile, Oman's foreign minister Badr Albusaidi has urged de-escalation, warning that the situation risks spiralling further. At the same time, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has indicated that its response is not over, cautioning that any further attacks on its energy infrastructure would trigger a much stronger retaliation.

With direct strikes now reaching Riyadh, analysts say the long-held assumption that the Saudi capital was insulated from such attacks no longer holds. The conflict appears to be entering a more volatile and unpredictable phase, with the risk of wider regional involvement growing rapidly.